Carry-On Luggage Size Requirements

If you’ve ever traveled by plane before, chances are you know that overhead bin space can be limited. For this reason, commercial airlines have strict regulations on what size of luggage you can carry onto a plane, as well as how many pieces of carry-on luggage you can bring on board.

Frequent flyers who don’t want to check their luggage should invest in the best carry-on luggage to ensure that their suitcase will always make it on board with no trouble or hassle. If you’re currently in the market for carry on luggage, keep reading to learn more about size requirements and other standard procedures for most commercial airlines.

There’s No Single Standard for Carry On Luggage Size, But There Is an Average

When it comes time to fly, there’s no universal carry on luggage size. Instead, individual airlines are responsible for putting out information on what size and weight luggage they can accommodate on their planes. However, that being said, these ranges don’t vary that widely, as most overhead bin space is roughly the same size no matter the airline. For most airlines, carry-on luggage should not exceed 9 by 14 by 22 inches. These dimensions should be inclusive of the luggage’s handles and wheels, not just the fabric or shell portion of the luggage. Additionally, most airlines require that the luggage not weigh more than 22 pounds.

Some airlines offer metal containers where you can test the size of your bag before bringing it onboard. If you find that your carry on luggage is too large for bringing on the plane and storing in the overhead bins, you’ll need to check your luggage with the airline.

How Many Pieces of Carry On Luggage Are Allowed?

Again, while every airline will have its own rules and regulations, it’s most common that you’ll be allowed both a carry-on piece of luggage that can go in the overhead bin and a piece of carry-on luggage that can be stored beneath the seat in front of you. For carry-on bags being stored underneath the seat in front of you, think backpacks, purses, and briefcases. Anything larger than this will likely not fit beneath an airline seat.

What Can I Bring in My Carry On Luggage?

When it comes to packing your carry-on luggage, you want to make sure you’re only carrying items that are allowed. If not, you’ll get stopped at the airport’s security and have to go through a bag check with a TSA agent.

Many types of items are allowed in carry-on bags; however, there are quite a few that are not. Large quantities of liquids, weapons (or items that could be used as weapons), firearms, and flammables should never be packed in carry-on luggage.

Specifically, when it comes to liquids, you are only allowed to carry on 100 milliliters of liquids, and they must be kept in containers that are stored in a sealed plastic bag. When you make your way through security, you’ll need to take this bag of liquids out from your luggage and place it in its own separate bin unless instructed to do something else by a TSA agent,

The Benefits of Carry-On Luggage

There can be numerous reasons why somebody chooses carry-on over checking luggage when possible, and the benefits can be enormous.

For starters, checking luggage can often cost money, making carry on luggage a more budget friendly option. Many airlines offer passengers one free carry on luggage bag and one item to be stored under the seat. Additionally, when you check luggage, you leave it in the care of the airline, which unfortunately, could lead to lost luggage. If you choose to carry on, you’ll be able to keep your eyes on your luggage for the majority of your journey.

Additionally, by traveling with carry-on luggage you allow yourself access to the items in your carry-on suitcase while mid-flight. For those who check their luggage, they won’t be able to access it until the plane has landed and the luggage has made its way out of the luggage carousel.

Furthermore, traveling with carry-on luggage rather than checked luggage allows for a quicker travel experience in airports. For instance, you can skip the baggage check line before your flight and don’t have to wait around for your luggage to be returned to you after your flight.

One final reason many people choose to travel with carry-on luggage is that fragile items tend to be safer when being handled and stored by the owner, rather than airport agents, who may not handle your luggage with the amount of care you’d prefer.

Resources— eBags, Consumer Reports, TSA

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